Rays sending down top prospect Willy Adames

Shortstop Willy Adames was sent back to the minors during spring training but is expected to be part of the next wave of prospects to reach the Rays this season. (Chris Urso, Times)

By Marc Topkin

Published: July 11, 2018

When the Rays called up top prospect SS Willy Adames last month, team officials said he was here to stay.

But with him not hitting well and a glut of infielders, including still not traded SS Adeiny Hechavarria, the Rays are reversing course and sending Adames back to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.

The decision, and the corresponding move of who takes his place, will be announced prior to the start of the four-game series with the Twins in Minneapolis.

Adames has hit only .216, and with Hechavarria still on the roster, has played more second base than short.

With the four-day All-Star break starting Monday, the Rays may have seen this as a good time to get Adames back on track by playing every day.

However the arrival of Adames and fellow rookie Jake Bauers has coincided with the team's recent run of success.

It's not clear who will replace Adames. INF Christian Arroyo, who has been out nearly a month with an oblique strain, started a rehab assignment but is not considered quite ready to return.

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